Everton have taken a step closer to leaving Goodison Park after placing a bid for a new stadium site at King's Dock.

The club are planning to build a new 55,000-seater stadium on the site close to the River Mersey but will not complete the deal until talks with supporters have taken place.

Club owner Bill Kenwright insists Everton need to find a new ground as they are unable to increase the capacity of Goodison Park from 40,260.

"This plan would genuinely give us the impetus to power forward with a major revival in the 21st century," said Kenwright.

"Behind it is one fundamental desire - for Everton Football Club to be on a par with anything the world's top clubs can offer."

He added: "Goodison Park will never be replaced in the eyes of our
fans, but I am determined that if we move to a new stadium, its
magnificence will stand proudly alongside the wonderful memories
we have at our present home."